Niacin Benefits

You may have heard a lot and know a lot about the basics; the Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat, but how much do you know about the Micronutrients? These are things like Vitamins, Minerals, and other naturally occurring chemicals that can affect our health in large and small ways. Having too little Vitamin C or A can cause problems with the immune system, and not having enough folate can reduce cognitive function. Many of today’s common diseases can be at least partially treated with proper nutritional therapy. There are a lot of micronutrients, and a lot to learn about them, but today I want to discuss the benefits of one in particular; Niacin.

Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3 and is a very important part of a healthy diet. It’s commonly found in nuts, green vegetables, eggs, fish, legumes, dairy, enriched foods, and lean meats. Unfortunately, like many other vitamins, and minerals, Niacin has been stripped down to inadequate levels in much of our food. Finding these types of foods in their most natural state is the best bet in getting a healthy amount of Niacin into your diet. A simple and easy way to do it is to eat a handful of nuts everyday. Almonds in particular are a great choice because they pack with them so many additional health benefits as well.

Now that you know where to find this food you may want to know the actual benefits of eating enough Niacin. You may be surprised to learn that some of the health problems you currently have can be cured or at least treated by getting more Niacin into your diet. A lack of Niacin can lead to dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Weakness, lack of appetite, weight loss, and even depression can be signs of Niacin deficiency. If you think you may be lacking Niacin, double check your diet for the list of foods mentioned earlier. It’s also a good idea to consult a registered dietitian.

Remember, Niacin isn’t the only food that we often lack in our modern diet. Unfortunately there are many micronutrient deficiencies that reduce our overall health and quality of life. Some diseases, and ailments should be treated with medication, but many can be treated with a healthy lifestyle of working out and eating right. Consulting a dietitian and taking charge of what you put into your body is one of the best things that you can do for your health.

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